By 2050, the population of Africa should double to gradually reach 2 billion of inhabitants. While 60% of non-exploited arable lands in the world are in Africa, the continent still struggles to properly feed its population. The agricultural needs are huge and the continent counts many geographical areas which provide all types of climate. This situation allows to grow almost every kind of crop twice a year. Nevertheless, in order to keep up with population growth, Africa will have to deal with major stakes including productivity improvement and substitution to commodities importations.
During the 5th edition of the “The Agricultural Spectrum of Africa: embracing the opportunities of a fertile sector” conference– organized by the African Business Lawyers’ Club (ABLC) with MEDEF International – some crucial points were highlighted, especially:
- Adapt productive systems and increase productivity thanks to modernization, mechanization, technological breakthroughs and agricultural training
- Redesign the organization of agri-food chain to ensure supply chain and distribution as well as a better integration of farmers in the food product commercialization circle
- Find some support from:
- Private sector through banks (benefit from funding and credit/microcredit)
- Public sector through States and public institutes (improve public infrastructures, have access to agricultural property and solve administrative procedures complexity)
- Digital revolution through Big Data (catch information & share best practices thanks to mobile phone, drone, etc.)
However, as mentioned by Khaled Igue – Head of Public & Institutional Partnerships at OCP Africa – the primary condition to go through these different steps is to listen to Africa: “The African continent needs African solutions”. Africa also needs to be proud of its agriculture and its agricultural history and has to believe in its potential to turn the agricultural challenge into a success story. Eventually, agricultural projects will also need to be supported by innovative people, able to think out of the box and eager to take up challenges!
